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Coconut processing facility launched in Misamis Oriental

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said it launched a P350-million integrated coconut processing facility in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental under a public-private partnership (PPP). 

The PPP project between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the First Community Cooperative has the capacity to process 60,000 nuts daily into high-value products, the PCA said in a statement.

The high-value products include cocoboard, activated carbon, virgin coconut oil, flour, skim milk, and health drinks.

The PCA said products will be sold in both domestic and export markets.

The facility is expected to directly generate employment for at least 2,500 people, it said.

The project is also projected to trigger the planting of one million coconut trees every year. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Fraud rate in PHL digital transactions estimated at 13.4%, TransUnion says

FREEPIK

THE rate of fraud in Philippine digital transactions was estimated at 13.4% in 2024, exceeding the global average of 5.4%, according to a study by TransUnion Philippines.

Of the 18 markets analyzed, the Philippines posted the second-highest suspected digital fraud rate, behind India (19%).

According to TransUnion’s H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report, the average loss in fraudulent Philippine digital transactions was about $768.

“While these figures are lower than the median of $1,747 across global markets which TransUnion surveyed, the impact of falling victim to fraud remains significant,” Yogesh Daware, chief commercial officer at TransUnion Philippines, said in a statement.

“Considering the average monthly wages in the Philippines, the losses constitute at least over two months’ salary for most Filipino households.”

The study incorporated input from 990 Filipino consumers surveyed between Nov. 21 and Dec. 11, 2024. About 74% said they were targeted by fraudulent schemes in the last three months, exceeding the 53% average across all markets surveyed, TransUnion said.

Some 34% of Filipinos said they lost money in fraudulent transactions, exceeding the global rate of 29%.

“These trends showed that Filipinos are facing greater risks from fraud, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards to prevent financial losses,” TransUnion said.

By industry, communities, including online dating and social media sites, posted the highest suspected digital fraud rate of 19.2% last year. 

“The high volume of users interacting online opens doors for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting victims,” Mr. Daware said, noting that fraudsters are ramping up their attacks and diversifying their tactics. 

According to the report, phishing was the most reported fraud scheme among Filipinos, with 63% of consumers saying they were targeted but did not fall victim. Some 26% said they were not targeted, while 11% were targeted and fell victim.

The fraud rates for other industries were as follows: retail (13%), financial services (6.3%), logistics (5.8%), government (4.5%), telecommunications (0.8%), and travel and leisure (0.5%).

TransUnion also noted the significant decline in the financial services sector’s suspected digital fraud rate due to stronger efforts from the public and private sectors.

Still, nearly all Filipinos surveyed were concerned they could fall victim to fraud, according to Mr. Daware.

“Fraudsters are highly adaptable and constantly evolving their tactics to exploit unprepared victims. Businesses and consumers must remain vigilant to avoid deception.” — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

China cosmetics suppliers seen making big push in SEA in response to trade war

THE leading China-based suppliers to the cosmetics industry could pivot to Southeast Asia (SEA) to stay afloat during the trade war with the US, a market research firm said.

Informa Markets added that the Philippine cosmetics market will be driven by e-commerce channels, though it may not escape the trade war fallout, which poses a risk to the firm’s 5.8% growth projection for the country.

Informa Markets Philippine General Manager Rungphech Chitanuwat said: “This year, I think (hitting the growth projection) will be difficult. The difficulty is geopolitical. The second thing is the ingredients to make cosmetics are mainly from China, and the US-China trade war may slow things down,” she said.

“However, we speculate that China will shift their interest into the Southeast Asian market. That would be the benefit. But we don’t see any sudden improvement,” she added.

The Philippine beauty and personal care market was valued at $3.7 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow to $11.05 billion in the coming years.

Informa Markets is organizing a business-to-business (B2B) beauty trade show, Cosmobeauté Philippines, which will run between June 4 and 6 at the World Trade Center.

Expected participation is 250 brands from 20 countries and up to 7,000 visitors.

“I am excited for the opportunities that Cosmobeauté Philippines will bring as it redefines the beauty trade landscape in the Philippines,” she said.

“This is not just a beauty show or showcasing products, but it is all about fostering meaningful connections, sharing innovations, and empowering industry professionals,” she added.

Trade Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista said that the trade show is a continuation of the department’s pilot beauty fair last year.

“We held it in SM Megamall and brought about 83 micro, small, and medium enterprises, but that was more on the retail side,” she said.

“This time, we are focusing on B2B as we are talking to the wellness entrepreneurs, salon owners, and cosmetologists that can bring in more of the bulk sales,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

NCR residential vacancy rate seen hitting 26% by end-2025

A VIEW of buildings in Makati City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE vacancy rate for residential property in Metro Manila will likely hit 26% by the end of this year, with condominium developers reining in their launches to dispose of inventory, according to property consultant Colliers Philippines.

If realized, this would exceed the 24.3% overall vacancy in Metro Manila in the first quarter, according to the Colliers First Quarter Property Market Report.

“Essentially, one out of four condo units in the secondary market in Metro Manila is vacant,” Joey Roi H. Bondoc, director and head of research at Colliers Philippines, said in briefing on Tuesday.

The ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) last year has left a void in the residential market, particularly in the so-called Bay Area district, Mr. Bondoc said.

The Manila Bay neighborhood is projected to have the highest vacancy rate by year’s end of 56.5%, against 14.3% in 2016, when POGOs started to pick up momentum.

Colliers projects that 5,800 units will be completed annually on average between 2025 and 2027, against the average of 13,000 units between 2017 and 2019.

In 2025, about 8,600 units will be completed in Metro Manila. This is expected to decline to 6,200 in 2026 and 2,500 in 2027.

Most of these condos started construction between 2019 to 2021, and are only due to be completed by 2025 or 2026, Mr. Bondoc said.

“Developers are not ramping up completion right now. Unlike before, where they would even expedite four years of completion, because they wanted to take advantage of the POGOs,” Mr. Bondoc said after the briefing.

Metro Manila had a total condominium inventory — both in ready-for-occupancy and in pre-selling — of 706,000 units as of the first quarter.

Southern Quezon City posted inventory of 7,000 units, followed by the Alabang-Las Piñas area (6,000 units), Pasig City (5,000 units), Makati fringe (4,000 units), Bay Area (4,000), and the northern Quezon City (4,000 units).

Ortigas Center had about 2,000 unsold units, while the Makati CBD and Fort Bonifacio each had inventory of 1,000 units.

Mr. Bondoc also noted that the government’s proposal to increase capital gains tax might impede real estate transactions.

“If you are a seller and you want to factor in the entire capital gains tax, you’re likely to sell your property at a much higher price. And that will result in slower real estate transactions, thereby hampering the affordability of properties especially in the secondary market,” he told the briefing.

In the office segment, the Metro Manila market saw a quarter-on-quarter rebound in transactions by floor area at 238,000 square meters (sq.m.), against 143,000 sq.m. in the fourth quarter of 2024.

As of the first quarter, Colliers estimated net takeup of 77,000 sq.m. in office space. Demand was driven by expansion particularly in Quezon City, Makati and Ortigas CBDs, the Bay Area, and Fort Bonifacio.

On the other hand, relocations accounted for 1,000 sq.m. of demand, mainly in Alabang and the Makati and Ortigas fringes.

Metro Manila office vacancies are projected at 22% this year. It expects about 612,000 sq.m. of new office supply by the end of the year. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

DEPDev downplays PHL income classification as draw for investors

ARSENIO M. BALISACAN — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Philippines’ income classification is not a primary consideration for prospective investors, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said.

If the Philippines fails to meet its goal of graduating to upper middle-income status soon, this would not significantly dampen its investment prospects, it added.

“I don’t think that’s what investors are looking at. Investors are looking at your investment climate,” Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday.

“They’re more concerned about how we address the constraints to investment, the ease of doing business, your economic fundamentals, the deficit, inflation. They don’t care about that particular metric,” he added.

The Philippines is currently classified as a lower middle-income country with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,230 in 2023, according to the World Bank.

An economy is considered lower middle-income if GNI per capita is between $1,146 and $4,515, while upper middle-income countries are those with GNI per capita of $4,516 to $14,005.

“Of course, it’s good that we develop because GDP per capita or GNI per capita is an average overall measure of welfare. It doesn’t tell us about the distribution of the gains or the distribution of the output, but it provides a certain information.”

“If it’s growing fast, then it’s of course good, but where is that growth coming from? That’s even more important,” he added.

Mr. Balisacan said investors are more likely to consider information on growth sources, policy priorities, and incentives.

The Marcos administration is hoping to achieve upper middle-income status by 2026.

Mr. Balisacan has said that the Philippines is still on track to hit this target “barring major external shocks.”

“You have to employ innovation, you have to employ modern technology, you have to develop your workforce, educate your people, in other words, you upskill and reskill them so that they can be more productive.”

“That way you can continue to grow even as you already are out of those cheap traditional sources of growth,” he added.

The World Bank has projected that the Philippines is likely to reach the upper middle-income class tier by 2027.

“It’s a moving target, but the context again is when we were making the projection last year, the world economy was not as bad then. The tariff uncertainty, the trade uncertainty was not there at all. There was only a bit of that, but not to this extent,” Mr. Balisacan said.

“We were still counting on a robust global economy… For that reason, we projected 6-8% growth. Of course, now the situation is a bit different, but a slowdown of one year does not take away an ambition, a long-term vision.”

He said the Philippines can position itself to recover once external conditions improve.

“The biggest threat to a middle-income trap is complacency. If you become complacent, that’s when you get trapped into that middle-income status.”

The Philippines hosted the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries, which culminated in the adoption of the Makati Declaration, which serves as a roadmap for middle-income economies to address challenges and accelerate sustainable development.

Over 100 countries fall under the middle-income classification, accounting for about 75% of the world’s population. They also account for about a third of global economic output.

“We recognize that middle-income countries experience frequent growth slowdowns and, if left unaddressed, this loss of economic dynamism can cause countries to get stuck in what is referred to as the ‘middle-income trap’,” according to the conference declaration.

It flagged persistent challenges middle-income countries face, such as high inequality, low growth, and persistent growth and unemployment, among others.

Since 2000, only 27 countries have graduated to high-income status from the middle-income tier.

“We note that current approaches to development cooperation result in most official financial flows to middle-income countries taking the form of loans rather than grants, including access to climate finance,” it said.

“We stress that middle-income countries have a significantly greater share of foreign liabilities among the developing countries arising from higher dependence on debt instruments.” — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

PNRI says nuclear safety fears can be addressed via regulation 

PNRI.DOST.GOV.PH

THE Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said any safety concerns posed by nuclear power can be addressed by appropriate regulation.

PNRI made the remarks as Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) brought forward its efforts to develop nuclear energy, including studies to rehabilitate the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

“Most definitely…We want nuclear power…we want cheaper power for everybody and nuclear can provide that. But the concern of people is safety. We guarantee safety by regulation,” PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said on the sidelines of a briefing by Alpas Pinas, a nuclear energy advocacy, on Tuesday.

Mr. Arcilla noted, however, that if Meralco is to construct and operate a nuclear power facility, the company will need to secure a license from PNRI.

During the briefing, Mr. Arcilla said nuclear energy plants provide power that is “92% available.”

In October, Meralco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd. to explore collaboration in developing low-carbon energy projects, including the rehabilitation of the BNPP.

The partnership follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) entered into by the Department of Energy and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) regarding a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study on the potential rehabilitation of the BNPP.

Asked for update, Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said that MoU with Doosan “remains fully in force” and aligns with the government’s nuclear-energy roadmap.

“At this stage, Meralco and Doosan are conducting joint dialogues covering the potential rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and the feasibility of small modular reactors,” Mr. Aperocho told BusinessWorld via Viber.

However, nothing is firm pending the passage of the PhilATOM Bill and the issuance of key nuclear policies, he said.

PhilATOM refers to the prospective Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, which will have regulatory control over all sources of ionizing radiation, both from nuclear and radioactive materials as well as radiation devices.

“Specific to BNPP, we are supporting the DoE-led study with KHNP on its rehabilitation. We understand this may be finished towards the end of the year. We will be in a better position to share concrete milestones down the line once this study is completed,” Mr. Aperocho said.

Under the Philippine nuclear energy roadmap, the government targets at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy capacity by 2032, scaling up to 2,400 MW by 2040 and 4,800 MW by 2050.

By 2025, the necessary laws regarding the nuclear legal and regulatory framework are expected to be in place.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Mom-and-pop stores post strong sales of energy drinks, iced tea

A vendor sits in a stall selling products in sachet packaging at a public market in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 1, 2019. — REUTERS

NEIGHBORHOOD mom-and-pop stores, also known as sari-sari stores, posted strong energy drink and iced tea sales last year, the hottest year on record, according to tech startup Packworks.

“Our data underscores the critical role sari-sari stores play in providing immediate relief and meeting the ongoing demand for essential refreshment, especially during the hotter months,” Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said.

“As forecasts predict continued warm periods this year, it solidifies the sari-sari stores’ role as a crucial touchpoint for consumers nationwide, especially for regions that are sweltering through warmer conditions,” he added.

In 2024, energy drink brand Sting recorded an 83% increase in sales to P34 million in gross merchandise value.

This was most pronounced in Mindanao, where the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) posted a 1,810% increase, Region XIII or Caraga booked a +575% increase, and Region X or Northern Mindanao growth was 554% increase.

“The sales spikes in Mindanao coincided with the all-time temperature records posted, particularly in Butuan City and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon,” Packworks said.

Powdered iced tea brand Nestea posted sales growth of 76% to P30 million in 2024.

Top regions for Nestea sales were Region IV-A, or Calabarzon; Region VII, or the Central Visayas; and Region I, or the Ilocos Region.

Posting top Nestea sales growth were Region V, or the Bicol Region; BARMM; and Region VI, or the Western Visayas.

“Both Sting and Nestea saw their sales peak in March 2024, coinciding with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declaration of the start of the dry season,” Packworks said.

“Sting saw a 43% sales increase over the previous month, while Nestea saw a 24% increase,” it added.

“With prolonged periods of warm weather and all-time temperature spikes recorded last year, consumers nationwide found ways to cope with the record-breaking heat at their neighborhood stores,” Packworks said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Peso at 7-month high as tariffs weigh on dollar

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO strengthened to a seven-month high on Tuesday as the greenback continued to struggle due to tariff uncertainties.

The local unit closed at P56.145 per dollar on Tuesday, surging by 27.5 centavos from its P56.42 finish on Monday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

This was the peso’s best finish in seven months or since its P56.03-a-dollar close on Sept. 30, 2024.

The peso opened Tuesday’s session stronger at P56.333 against the dollar. It climbed to its intraday best of P56.10, while its weakest was at P56.35 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged rose to $1.78 billion on Tuesday from $1.57 billion on Monday.

The peso rose due to a weak dollar “after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would seek solidarity with other countries against US tariff threats after news that the Trump administration is exploring a new trade tool to pressure China,” a trader said in a phone interview.

The dollar recouped some of its losses on Tuesday, supported by reports that the US administration may ease planned tariffs, although investor caution lingered over whether a meaningful de-escalation in the US-China trade conflict was in motion, Reuters reported.

The administration of US President Donald J. Trump was set to take steps on Tuesday to soften the impact of his automotive tariffs.

The United States and China in recent days seemed to have softened their respective stances, with Washington signaling openness to reducing tariffs and Beijing exempting some US imports from its 125% levies.

Still, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that it was up to China to de-escalate on tariffs — the latest in a slew of conflicting signals over progress on trade talks between the world’s two largest economies.

The US dollar index, a measure of the greenback’s value relative to a basket of foreign currencies, strengthened 0.15% to 99.23 after falling 0.58% the previous day.

It remained on track for its biggest monthly drop since November 2022, as tariff tensions stoked fears of a global economic slowdown and undermined confidence in US assets.

The dollar rose against other major currencies, adding 0.25% to 142.38 yen.

Lower global crude oil prices also supported the peso, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort added in a Viber message. Brent crude was 1.4% weaker at $65 a barrel on Tuesday.

For Wednesday, the trader expects the peso to move between P56 and P56.40 per dollar, while Mr. Ricafort sees it ranging from P56.05 to P56.25. — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Reuters

PSE index inches higher amid tariff uncertainty

REUTERS

PHILIPPINE STOCKS edged higher on Tuesday as the market remained cautious amid the ongoing trade policy developments and ahead of the release of key US economic data.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) inched up by 0.04% or 2.69 points to close at 6,252.19, while the broader all shares index climbed by 0.14% or 5.14 points to end at 3,686.23.

“The PSEi closed marginally higher. The local market moved sideways this Tuesday as investors traded cautiously amid lingering uncertainties caused by the US-ignited global trade frictions,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“The bourse came to a positive close, attributed to appreciation of corporate fundamentals, the peso’s strengthening against the dollar, and hopes that the Philippines would reach a trade deal with the US,” he added.

Key Philippine officials headed to Washington on Tuesday to negotiate the 17% reciprocal tariff imposed by President Donald J. Trump. On Monday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the Philippine delegation seeks to lower the US tariff rate on Philippine goods to zero.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump’s administration said it planned to reduce the impact of auto tariffs, a further sign of flexibility on a trade policy that has wreaked havoc on markets in April, Reuters reported.

The United States said it would move to reduce the impact of duties imposed on foreign parts in domestically manufactured cars, and keep tariffs on vehicles made abroad from stacking up on other duties, officials said.

“Philippine and US stocks closed mixed on Monday as investors awaited a heavy lineup of earnings, economic data, and trade developments,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

Key US economic reports to be released this week include first-quarter gross domestic product data, the March personal consumption expenditures price index, and April jobs report.

Sectoral indices closed mixed on Tuesday. Industrials went up by 1.77% or 155.36 points to 8,929.86; financials rose by 1.34% or 31.78 points to 2,401.71; and mining and oil increased by 0.84% or 84.12 points to 9,999.33.

Meanwhile, services fell by 1.64% or 32.90 points to 1,965.85; property dropped by 1.42% or 32.32 points to 2,243.83; and holding firms went down by 0.10% or 5.31 points to 5,265.47.

“Universal Robina Corp. was the top index gainer for the day, climbing 5.22% to P84.70. Puregold Price Club, Inc. was at the bottom, falling 4.36% to P31.80,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover dropped to P4.88 billion on Tuesday with 622.8 million shares changing hands from the P5.74 billion with 743 million issues traded on Monday.

Advancers beat decliners, 92 versus 77, while 66 names were unchanged.

Net foreign buying went up to P275.68 million on Tuesday from P228.16 million on Monday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave with Reuters

Digital economy’s share of GDP stalls in 2024

DCSTUDIO-FREEPIK

THE digital economy’s contribution to the Philippine economy was little changed at 8.5% in 2024 from 8.6% previously, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

Citing preliminary data, the PSA said the 8.5% reading was the lowest since the PSA started compiling the indicator in 2018.

In terms of gross value added, digital grew 7.6% to P2.25 trillion last year from P2.09 trillion in 2023, with growth slowing from 8.8% in 2023 and the weakest reading since the 8.6% contraction in 2020 during the pandemic.

Digital industry’s share to GDP inches down in 2024According to the PSA, the digital economy is composed of digital transactions covering digital-enabling infrastructure, e-commerce, digital media and content, and government digital services.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan called digitalization a priority, citing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

“It is a top thrust of our government, digitalizing not just in the public sector but also the way the private sector deals with government. That is why there is so much effort put into digitalization,” Mr. Balisacan told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday.

He added that the central bank has also been pushing for digitalization, particularly in the financial sector, to enable inclusive finance.

Mr. Balisacan said the Philippine digital economy is starting from a low base relative to neighbors in the region.

The PDP 2023-2028 contemplates a digital transformation that will result in more efficient and faster service delivery, more transparency, and fewer opportunities for corruption at various levels.

The dip in the digital economy’s contribution to economic output can be attributed to the faster recovery of traditional industries like construction, manufacturing, and tourism, which expanded sharply as the economy fully reopened, John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute of Development Studies said.

“As these offline sectors grow, even if the digital economy expands, its relative weight in the total economy naturally declines unless it grows even faster than the broader GDP,” Mr. Rivera said via Viber.

In 2024, the economy expanded by 5.7%, outpacing the 5.5% expansion in 2023 and the highest reading since the 7.6% posted in 2022, the PSA reported.

Digital-enabling infrastructure accounted for P1.88 trillion or 83.8% of the sector’s total gross value added in 2024.

E-commerce accounted for 13.5% or P302.31 billion in 2024. This was followed by digital content and media with 2.4% or P53.98 billion and government digital services with 0.3% or P6.6 billion.

In 2024, 11.30 million workers were employed in the digital industries, up 4.8%.

Last year, employment in the e-commerce industry accounted for 77.9% of the sector, followed by digital-enabling infrastructure with 21.4% or 2.4 million, digital content and media (0.7% or 79,390), and government digital services (0.1% or 5,820).

Mr. Balisacan expects the digital economy to contribute more in the near term.

“What you expect is, new tools are developed, new applications are developed, new industries arise also out of those technologies and data. So that’s what will drive the digital economy, data and applications,” he said.

Mr. Rivera said the growth of the digital economy reflects its role as a key driver for economic growth.

“Moving forward, growth in this sector will likely remain strong, fueled by e-commerce, digital finance, health tech, AI applications, and remote services, although bottlenecks in digital infrastructure and regulatory challenges must be addressed to unlock its full potential,” Mr. Rivera said. — John Phoebus G. Villanueva

Tarlac sugar farmers testing experimental irrigation system

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

SUGARCANE farmers in Tarlac are testing an experimental irrigation system funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) that promises quicker cane growth.

The DoST said tests of the Automated Furrow Irrigation System (AFIS) and Nutrio Biofertilizer application increased average cane height to 362.53 centimeters from an average of 327.87 cm.

The project, carried out by the Central Luzon State University, also increased yields to 18.23 kg from 14.22 kg per 10 stalks, it added.

“Additionally, the average diameter of sugarcane increased to 30.94 mm from 26.44 mm,” it said.

The DoST said it is possible to increase Philippine sugarcane yields to 120 tons of cane per hectare from the current average 54 of tons.

This translates to a potential output enhancement of 20-30%, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the Sugar Regulatory Authority’s block farms.

AFIS is solar-powered and uses sensors and controllers to deliver appropriate amounts of water.

“It saves time and effort and resources and is perfect for crops like sugarcane,” the DoST said.

Nutrio is a foliar spray biofertilizer that contains “friendly microorganisms that make sugarcane plants grow taller, leaves greener, and canes heavier, resulting in more cane and sugar yields.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Amnesty says PHL human rights under increased scrutiny amid ‘Trump effect’

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Philippines is facing heightened scrutiny over its human rights record as a global wave of authoritarianism, accelerated by the so-called “Trump effect” from the US, deepens repression and undermines accountability across the world, human rights group Amnesty International said on Tuesday.

In its State of the World’s Human Rights 2024-2025, Amnesty said harmful trends exacerbated by the second Donald J. Trump administration have compounded local rights crises, including in the Philippines, where 2024 saw forced disappearances, attacks on activists and extrajudicial killings tied to the country’s war on drugs.

Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard called for urgent global efforts to counter the rise of authoritarian laws and practices, warning that failure to act could plunge humanity deeper into crisis by 2025.

“Year after year, we have warned of the dangers of human rights backsliding,” Ms. Callamard said in a separate statement. “But events of the past 12 months — not least Israel’s livestreamed but unheeded genocide of Palestinians in Gaza — have laid bare just how hellish the world can be for so many when the most powerful states jettison international law and disregard multilateral institutions.”

“At this historical juncture, when authoritarian laws and practices are multiplying the world over in the interests of very few, governments and civil society must work with urgency to lead humanity back to safer ground,” she added.

In a Viber message, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Clarissa “Claire” A. Castro said she had not sought President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s comment on the Amnesty report.

Amnesty said Filipino authorities continued the practice of “red-tagging,” publicly branding activists as communist insurgents despite a Supreme Court ruling that declaring the tactic a threat to life, liberty and security, the group said.

United Nations experts repeatedly urged Manila to denounce the practice, but government bodies including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict continued to use social media, disinformation and the anti-terrorism law against civil society groups, Amnesty said.

Despite this, a Philippine court dismissed the final drug charge against former Senator and human rights defender Leila M. de Lima in June last year.

Ms. De Lima had been detained since 2017 after investigating alleged abuses under former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign.

Impunity for killings tied to the country’s “war on drugs” persisted, Amnesty said.

Data from the University of the Philippines Diliman rights group Dahas showed at least 871 deaths in police operations last year, it said.

Congressional hearings also revealed allegations from former police officials that Mr. Duterte had orchestrated a cash-for-kill system.

The 80-year-old, while denying key accusations, admitted in a Senate testimony to running a death squad during his time as Davao City mayor.

Despite isolated convictions of police officers involved in extrajudicial killings, Amnesty said accountability remains the exception rather than the rule.

While Manila earlier said it would not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in probing the drug war and Mr. Duterte, it surrendered the tough-talking leader in March through a diffusion order issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

He is now detained in The Hague where he awaits his trial scheduled for September.

DRUG PROGRAMS
Amnesty also criticized the Philippine drug rehabilitation programs, describing these as coercive, nonevidence-based and rife with violations of health and human rights.

On broader issues, Amnesty said a landmark anti-discrimination bill for LGBTQI+ is stalled in Congress, while a proposed law to cap corporate greenhouse gas emissions failed to pass last year.

The President’s creation of a “special committee on human rights coordination” was widely dismissed by human rights groups as inadequate amid deepening domestic and international skepticism.

Globally, the report also cited the unchecked violence in Gaza, widespread crackdowns on dissent, worsening climate inaction and growing hostility toward migrants, women and the LGBTQI+ community.

A wave of authoritarian laws and crackdowns on dissent intensified in 2024, fueling a global backlash against human rights, it added.

Governments increasingly curtailed freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in moves aimed at consolidating power and silencing opposition, Amnesty said.

Authorities worldwide also shut down media outlets, dissolved nongovernmental groups and political parties and detained critics on vague charges of terrorism or extremism.

Human rights defenders, climate activists and Gaza solidarity protesters were among those targeted, reflecting a broader trend of criminalizing dissent to evade scrutiny and instill fear, it said.

Amnesty slammed Mr. Trump’s policies, saying, his government has swiftly and deliberately targeted vital US and international institutions and initiatives that were “designed to make ours a safer and fairer world.”

“One hundred days into his second term, President Trump has shown only utter contempt for universal human rights,” Ms. Callamard added.

The group said the “Trump effect” had eaten away decades of painstaking work to build up and advance universal human rights for all, “accelerating humanity’s plunge into a brutal new era characterized by intermingling authoritarian practices and corporate greed.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

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